How many backstroke lengths?

candle_wax

Hi there, this is my first post here

I was just wondering about backstroke, and how many lengths in a row I "should" be able to do. I know it obviously varies for each person, but just to explain.
I'm a decent enough swimmer - I swim 100 lengths of 25m pool in around 55 minutes without stopping, sometimes do up to 130, so I have no issues with breathing/stamina in the pool I don't think. But when I go to swim backstroke, my legs are burning after about two lengths...
I definitely think I'm doing it right - my body is rotating side to side and I'm conscious to keep my arms going up straight (rather than out wide). But as I said, after about two lengths my thighs ache like crazy. My legs are pretty strong (I'm not boasting, I'm just a woman with legs like tree trunks ) so I don't really understand. Is this normal, or how many in a row do other people do?

I practise with a kickboard sometimes. Probably not enough though...

Any tips appreciated, thanks

Kevski

The vast of propulsion in backstroke comes from the arms. Backstroke swimmers usually have more of a flutter kick which stabilises the body rather than propels it. I'd suggest kicking a little less and seeing if you can manage more lengths!